Iran-Turkey ties important to Middle East: Rouhani

Press TV -(Mon Jun 9, 2014) Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has emphasized the need for the further expansion of bilateral ties with neighboring Turkey, saying Tehran-Ankara relations are significant for the entire Middle East.

Ahead of his departure for Ankara on Monday, Rouhani said Iran and Turkey enjoy “geopolitical positions” in the Middle East, stressing that the promotion of ties between the two neighboring states “is of great importance for the development of the whole region.”
“During this trip, we will hold talks on bilateral economic ties, particularly in the energy sectors,” Rouhani said, adding that Tehran and Ankara were also slated to sign a number of cooperation agreements in different areas.
The Iranian chief executive further stated that Tehran and Ankara were set to hold the first session of their joint ministerial commission during the visit.
According to Rouhani, the Iranian and Turkish officials will also exchange views on the issues of regional and international significance, including the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism.
On Sunday, Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Alireza Bigdeli said the two sides would, for the first time, form the Iran-Turkey High Council of Strategic Cooperation during Rouhani’s trip.
Rouhani is also scheduled to hold meetings with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who paid a visit to Iran in January.|
According to the figures released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), Iran-Turkey trade turnover stood at USD 3.256 billion in the first quarter of 2014.